FÉILE an Phobail Director Kevin Gamble has praised Saturday evening's Dance Night in the Falls Park which once again provided an alternative to August 8 bonfires.
The anti-interment bonfires have disappeared from Belfast due in no small part to Féile.
Speaking this morning, Kevin Gamble said: “Last night, over 10,000 young people were in the Falls Park for our Féile Dance Night headlined by Billy Gillies.
“This night is a combined effort to provide a diversionary event that brings young people off our streets away from the potential of unwanted and destructive bonfires.
“Last night the big bonfires that have been an unwanted feature in this community again didn’t happen and that is a massive success.
“In past years these unwanted bonfires brought destruction and an increase in anti-social behaviour to the areas in which they were held.
“Due to the support of the local community, the hard work and commitment of Féile staff and volunteers, community and youth organisations, political representatives, and Belfast City Council, Belfast was bonfire free last night and all those involved in achieving this deserve praise.
“The benefit of the absence of these unwanted bonfires on 8th August is significant, as well as the positive images of young people from all parts of the city and beyond enjoying themselves emanating from the Falls Park, there is also a considerable benefit to the local economy which the associated increase in visitor footfall and spending brings due to Féile.
“To add to that, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has been a special moment here in Ireland’s second city, and it is incredibly important to us that the best of Belfast is on display.
“Over the last 38 years, Féile has a proven track record of delivering significant social and economic benefits to the city of Belfast, and this increases with each year that passes.
“I want to specifically praise the young people who attended. They conducted themselves fantastically and they deserved a great night. They are an absolute credit to themselves and to the community.
“Féile will continue to work hard along with others to provide our young people with real positive alternatives and a platform to showcase all that is good about Belfast.”
